New to Flying..When should I book SW for Sept/Oct?

[Brooknwdw]

Hi,

We've only flown once so I am not an expert at getting good airfare. I have read alot about SW & downloaded Ding!
I realize my dates aren't out yet (Flying out Sept 29th (Friday) and returning Friday October 6th.)

My question is, for all you who are SW users...when is a good time to book the airfare? AS SOON as the dates come out, is that usually cheaper? Or waiting until closer to my trip dates? Do fares usually go down or up the closer you get?

I think I am flying during an "off season" so hopefully I can get a good deal.
My home airport is Little Rock, Ar Does anyone know what I can expect to pay?

TIA for any help!!!

 

[disneyobessed]

My guess is as soon as they come out. Ive seen rates go up in the past month! ITs getting scary b/c we also are waiting on SW to release dates!

 

[Brooknwdw]

Thanks....do you think around $200 per RT ticket is a reasonable expectation? I am hoping to get them that cheap or better??

thanks!

 

[Brooknwdw]

Just bumping for alittle more info?

Thanks

 

[MyZoeJane]

Thanks....do you think around $200 per RT ticket is a reasonable expectation? I am hoping to get them that cheap or better??

thanks!

I think the possibility of getting them for $200 or less is very good. We paid $191 per ticket round trip earlier this year when we flew from Chicago to Orlando in "off season" in January. (5-9th) and shortly after that, tickets went down to $69 each way....

I'm waiting to book for similar dates as you... We're going back September 30th and flying home on October 6th.

 

[Brooknwdw]

Thanks so much for the info. I am trying to get as good a deal as possible of course!
I checked AA online today & they were $249 RT, that is the best I have found so far today, I will wait SW out!

 

[midwestdee]

My coworker flies SW out of Midway several times a year - has a condo in Celebration - lucky duck. My DD is honeymooning early Oct. to WDW - so I asked what would the maximum be that she should expect to pay. My friend said the maximum ( my friend flies around the holidays a lot) might be $250. She also suggested DD keep checking ATA for cheap fares. Another thread on this forum has past dates for flight release info, on SW. They also suggest signing up for DING info on the SW web site for cheap flight discounts. We fly United, because we use mileage points. Good luck, the important thing is be diligent! Remember you can't put off getting tickets hoping for a $69 flight - it is a long walk to Orlando.

 

[Brooknwdw]

Okay, thanks...what is ATA?

 

[DonnaL]

SW should be releasing dates for Sept. within a week or so if they follow what they did last year. Also, for Oct. they were released about mid May last year. I usually book as soon as they are released, then keep watching for the sales and just go in and change my fares and get the credit for next trip!! My last few trips I've booked at $79 plus taxes ow and then it's come down to $59 plus taxes. So, I've ended up having a credit of $40 for each rt ticket.

 

[midwestdee]

ATA is an airline that advertises relentlessly in the Chicago area. I know it isn't limited to us - but not sure of its hubs. They offer REALLY low air fares to Florida, Vegas, etc.. They usually have an internet special weekly. Of course when you are planning a vacation you can hardly wait for their weekly special and hope to God you get a ticket - so just look around the boards for what is a "reasonable" air fare and if you can get close to that - grab it. The internet frequently offers the best deals - but it doesn't hurt to phone airlines either if you have the time - if by some miracle you get a really savvy person on the line - you could have good results. Good luck - happy flying - you also might want to checkinto credit cards that offer mileage plans - we've only purchased one ticket in the past 15 or so years. Comparison shop - for flexibility, any fees etc..., but if you are a discliplined person and only charge your monthly expensese that you can pay off every month - it is a great way to get a bonus.